When Tom Ford unveiled his SS15 men's collection in London this week, one
piece of jewellery caught David Nicholls' eye

Is that a crucifix round your neck or are you just happy to see me? And what does the size of a man’s crucifix tell us about the size of his… ego?

These were just two of the penetrating questions that will have struck fashion industry insiders when Tom Ford unveiled (unzipped?) his latest collection at London Collections: Men this week. The three suggestively-shaped necklaces pictured above (size matters after all, it seems) will make a splash in the shops when they go on sale next spring.

Tom Ford's SS15 men's jewellery collection

Ford is well known for his sexually-charged imagery. In 2003, when he was at the helm of Gucci, a controversial ad campaign featured the company's logo shaved into a woman’s pubic hair. And yet I can’t help but wonder if in this instance he is – if you’ll excuse the expression – ever so slightly taking the p---.

In fairness, this triptych of todgers was by no means the main thrust of Ford’s collection. Rather, it was more of a sideshow, tucked away in a glass-topped cabinet like some sort of museum exhibit. Which is fitting, as phallic symbols have been used as charms with potent apotropaic qualities since time immemorial.

But are Ford’s phalluses meant to repel or invite? And what place do they have in 21st century menswear? What exactly was Ford – a man known for shooting from the hip - trying to say here? Were the penises on chains just another way of Ford making our jaws drop?

Those who know me would attest to the fact that I have never been one to shy away from a penis gag (sic), and I’m sure there are some observers who will suggest that the pendants in question are in fact simply small silver crosses, with no phallic connotations at all.

In which case I will be the first to withdraw my accusations about something that – for all I know – could turn out to a seminal collection for Ford. But Ford is too knowing, too naughty.

Will the necklaces prove to be a hit? For some, the very idea may leave a bad taste in the mouth, but they're certainly growing on me.